Specimen Collection and Preparation

Instructions by Specimen Type

Blood Specimens

Determine the Specimen Requirements

In the Test Catalog, use the Specimen and Overview tabs of each test to identify:

Patient preparation requirements

Specimen requirements

Specimen container requirements

Specimen stability (temperature) requirements

Collection instructions

Required forms or special instructions

Step 2:

Collect the Specimen

Most laboratory tests are performed on anticoagulated plasma, serum or whole blood.

Follow the instructions in the test to collect the specimen, paying special attention to container/tube, volume and stability (temperature) requirements.

Step 3:

If Appropriate, Pour the Specimen into an Aliquot Tube or Bottle

Check the specimen requirements in the Test Catalog to see if your specimen requires any of the following:

Aliquotting: Most specimens require aliquotting in an appropriate container to maintain specimen integrity. If you are not aliquotting, wrap the specimen in a bubble bag (Supply T055) to protect from breakage.

*The primary receptacle must be leakproof and must not contain more than 1 liter (shipping requirement). It must be capable of withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure of 95 kPa in the range of -40°C to 55°C.

Step 4:

Label the Specimen

Specimens must have two (2) person-specific identifiers on the patient label. Person-specific identifiers include:

Accession number

Patient's first and last name

Unique identifying number (eg, medical record number)

Date of birth

Mislabeled Specimens

Specimens are considered mislabeled when there is a mismatch between the person-specific identifiers on the specimen and the information accompanying the specimen. This information might include a computer system, requisition form, or additional paperwork.

In addition, if there is a handwritten name on the container and a label on the container, the information must match exactly. For example, "Rebecca" does not match "Becky." When insufficient or inconsistent identification is submitted, a new specimen may be required.

Package the Specimen in a Biohazard Bag

Place the tube or container in a Mayo Medical Laboratories color-coded (temperature-specific) shipping bag.

T043Biohazard Bag - 12x15 Use if your container is too
large for color-coded bags.
Mark it Frozen, Refrigerate
or Room Temp (Ambient).

Electronic Clients:

Clients who submit electronic orders will have a batch order. Place all specimens for the temperature-specific batch number into one bag. If all the specimens do not fit, use a larger biohazard bag (T043) and indicate the shipping temperature.

Do not place multiple batches into one bag.

If you are not using a bag supplied by Mayo Medical Laboratories:

The bag must be leakproof.

There must be absorbent material between the primary receptacle (tube/container) and the secondary packaging (bag) that is able to absorb the entire contents of the bag.

Package Batch Sheets and Forms

Folded batch sheet with
bar code and delivery
address visible

Electronic Clients

Clients who submit electronic orders will have a batch sheet. The bottom of the batch sheet lists the number of pages (eg, 1 of 3). Fold the batch sheets in fourths and place them in the outside pocket of the bag. If there is no pocket, place them inside the bag with the specimens. Include all pages in the corresponding bag. Delivery address and bar code if applicable must be visible. Do not combine multiple batches into 1 bag.

Manual Clients

Clients who do not order electronically must include a completed Test Request form with each patient specimen. Our
Customized Test Request Form generator provides the Test Request form and all other required forms for the specified test. Complete and print all forms included, then fold and insert the forms into the outside pocket of the biohazard bag. If there is no pocket, place them inside the bag with the specimen.